I’ve talked before about how I have come to count on direct contact from artists being responsible for great new music I may not otherwise hear.
Most recently, while talking with Aram Bajakian, we recalled how our first interaction was the e-mail he sent me; the rest is history. (More on him, HERE.)
Coincidentally, it was via Aram (and my piece on Lou Reed) that I came to hear from Alan Semerdjian; as it happens, Bajakian lent his guitar to Alan’s album, quiet songs for loud times.
I am happy to report that hearing from him, and then receiving his disc, was a pleasant surprise from 2013 (and apologies to him that it’s taken me this long to get around to praising his efforts).
Anyone who reads this blog knows there are certain genres and time periods I’m especially interested in, but my interests and passions are all over the map. The guiding principle is, for me, likely what it is for any critic or fan or artist: make something that keeps me interested and all the other buzzwords and expectations are irrelevant.
That said, I can recommend this album to anyone who is looking for something honest, authentic and most importantly, NOT auto-tuned! Seriously, this is classic singer-songwriter stuff, and Alan has chosen an ideal title for his album: these songs are quiet (in a good way) and in their own understated way are a commentary on, and perhaps an antidote for, an overly mechanized, cacophonous time. It’s heartfelt and often eloquent music; it’s pleasant but not “light”; it’s ambitious without trying too hard.
Check out his YouTube channel: this might be the music you’ve been hoping to hear.
The more I’ve listened, the more I like it.
If your world has gotten too crazy, too predictably bland, too loud, this music might be for you.
Give it a shot and support independent music!
